Starbucks and Starbucks Workers United have come together intending to collectively bargain for union contracts at unionized stores — which will affect eight shops in Northeast Ohio, including two in Cleveland.
According to late February announcements from both the coffee company and the union group, recent steps have been taken to resolve litigation, including brand litigation, between the two organizations. (In December, Starbucks sued SBWU for trademark infringement after the labor organization made online posts about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and in response, SBWU sued Starbucks to continue using its name — which includes the word "Starbucks" and a similar logo to the company, according to The Associated Press.)
Now the two historically at-odds organizations have seemingly agreed to work together in a major moment for pro-union workers.
Cleveland Magazine explored the journeys of Northeast Ohio Starbucks stores that unionized in a 2023 feature, The Grind: Inside Starbucks Workers’ Union Push in Northeast Ohio.
Read Starbucks' letter below:
Workers United and Starbucks share a commitment to developing a productive relationship in the best interests of Starbucks partners. During mediation discussions last week over ongoing brand and IP litigation, a constructive path forward emerged on the broader issues of the future of organizing and collective bargaining at Starbucks.
To build on that path, Workers United and Starbucks have agreed to begin discussions on a foundational framework to achieve collective bargaining agreements for represented stores and partners, the resolution of litigation between the union and the company, including brand litigation, and a fair process for workers to organize. As a sign of good faith, Starbucks has agreed to provide workers represented by Workers United with credit card tipping and benefits announced by the company in May of 2022.
While there is plenty of work ahead, coming together to develop this framework is a significant step forward and a clear demonstration of a shared commitment to working collaboratively and with mutual respect.
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